Honda Passport: What Buyers Need to Know Before They Shop

The Honda Passport sits in a crowded and often confusing part of the SUV market. It's bigger than a CR-V, smaller than a Pilot, and aimed squarely at buyers who want genuine off-road capability without committing to a full-size truck-based SUV. Whether you're looking at a used model or shopping the current lineup, understanding what the Passport actually is — and how it compares to similar vehicles — helps you ask better questions before you buy.

What Is the Honda Passport?

The Passport is a two-row, midsize SUV built on a unibody platform — meaning it shares its basic structure with Honda's car-based lineup rather than a body-on-frame truck chassis. Honda originally produced a Passport in the 1990s (a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo), then discontinued it. The nameplate returned in 2019 with a completely different vehicle underneath.

The current-generation Passport uses the same platform as the Honda Pilot but with a shorter wheelbase and no third-row seating. The trade-off: a sportier profile, better approach angles for off-road driving, and a tighter overall footprint — while keeping cargo capacity competitive through a taller cargo floor and wider opening.

Engine and Powertrain

All current-generation Passports (2019–present) come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Output is approximately 280 horsepower. There is no four-cylinder option and, as of the current lineup, no hybrid powertrain.

Buyers can choose between:

• FWD (Front-Wheel Drive): Standard on base trims, suited for on-road use
• AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with i-VTM4: Available on upper trims; Honda's torque-vectoring AWD system can send power side-to-side at the rear axle for improved traction on loose or uneven surfaces

The AWD system is particularly relevant for buyers who plan to use the Passport on gravel roads, snow, or light trails. It's not a locking 4WD system — it won't perform like a Jeep Wrangler — but it's a meaningful step above a basic AWD setup.

Trim Levels and How They Differ

The TrailSport trim (added for the 2022 model year) is worth singling out. It comes with Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires from the factory, a higher ground clearance, and steel skid plates protecting the underbody. For buyers who actually plan to take the Passport off pavement, this is mechanically different from other trims — not just cosmetically.

Model Year Considerations 🗓️

If you're shopping used, the generation break matters:

• 2019–2021: First generation of the revived Passport; generally well-received but some buyers noted fuel economy below class averages and a firm ride
• 2022–2025: Refreshed exterior, TrailSport trim added, updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, and revised suspension tuning

Fuel economy across all current Passport trims typically lands in the mid-to-high 20s MPG combined on the highway cycle, with lower figures in the city — figures that vary by drivetrain, driving conditions, and model year. The V6 prioritizes power over efficiency compared to turbocharged four-cylinder rivals.

How the Passport Compares to Similar SUVs

The Passport competes in a segment that includes the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee (two-row), and Kia Sorento. Each has a different balance of comfort, capability, and efficiency.

A few distinctions that matter for practical comparison:

• The Passport has no hybrid option, unlike the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, or Toyota Venza
• It offers more cargo space than many two-row rivals because of its boxy rear design
• Its AWD system is more sophisticated than basic part-time AWD but less robust than true 4WD
• It carries Honda's reputation for long-term reliability, though reliability varies by model year, maintenance history, and individual vehicle condition

What Shapes the Buying Decision

No two Passport purchases are the same. Several factors determine whether it's a strong fit for a given buyer:

Intended use — Light off-road use in the TrailSport trim is very different from suburban commuting in an FWD Sport. The drivetrain choice matters.

Budget — New Passport pricing ranges across trims, and used prices fluctuate with mileage, condition, location, and market timing. Private-party, dealer, and certified pre-owned pricing differ significantly.

Powertrain preference — Buyers coming from hybrid-equipped vehicles may find the fuel costs higher. Buyers who want a V6's pulling feel and no electric complexity will appreciate the straightforward setup.

Towing needs — The Passport is rated to tow up to approximately 5,000 pounds (exact ratings vary by model year and configuration; always check the specific vehicle's towing guide). That's enough for a small boat or light camper, but less than some truck-based competitors.

Maintenance history on used models — Honda recommends oil changes, transmission service, and differential fluid intervals that matter more on AWD-equipped vehicles. A Passport that's had deferred maintenance on its rear differential will tell a different story than a well-documented one.

The Passport fills a specific gap: a two-row SUV with genuine AWD capability, a powerful V6, and a cargo-friendly interior. Whether that gap lines up with what you actually need depends entirely on your driving patterns, priorities, and what you find when you look at a specific vehicle's history and condition.